The Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning (JCAL) invites New York City-based dance companies to apply to an open call for the eighth annual Making Moves Dance Festival, a dance celebration set to be held on Saturday, September 16, 2017 at the Jamaica Performing Arts Center (JPAC). This Open Call is open to choreographers working in all genres of dance including, but not limited to: modern/contemporary, ballet, jazz, hip hop, musical theatre and folk/world.

Making Moves offers three opportunities for dance companies:

An opportunity for three groups to perform a 30 minute piece each at an outdoor presentation. Each group will receive a $500 stipend to present an existing work. (Afternoon) 

An opportunity for three groups to perform a 15-20 minute piece each at an indoor stage presentation. Each group will receive a $600 stipend to present an existing work. (Evening)

An opportunity for a choreographer to create a 30-45 minute work, commissioned by JCAL, which will be presented at the evening presentation. The choreographer will receive a $3,500 stipend to create a new work and will have access to JCAL’s rehearsal space for up to 80 hours. (Commission)        

Each group can request to be considered for one, two, or all three opportunities, but each selected group will only be awarded one opportunity. All groups will be provided with access to the space for one dress rehearsal and one tech rehearsal prior to the day of the event.   

Program Timeline: Applications are due on Friday May 20th, 2017 at 5:00PM. Selected groups will be notified by Email by June 20th, 2017. Please do not call to inquire about the status of your application. 

Eligibility: This opportunity is open to emerging and established New York City-based dance companies with bold ideas and a progressive/contemporary nature. Applicants must be at least 18 years old; students are not eligible to apply. Applicants must be residents of New York City as of the application deadline or have a significant, documented track record of artistic activity in New York City. Queens residents will be given preference for this opportunity.

Selection Criteria: Accepted applicants will be chosen based on the strength of their submitted work.

Commission: A public program component is required for selected commission artist. This may be a workshop, master class, free public performance or other community-based activity. Public programs must take place in JCAL studio. An additional funding of $500 will be available for the required public program. The selected choreographer will provide dancers, costumes, lighting, props, etc. out of the commissioned funds. For one year following the performance of the commission on September 16, 2017, whenever this piece is performed, the program will state that it was a commission by the Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning, Making Moves 2017.  

Making Moves is supported, in part, by the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, and the Mertz Gilmore Foundation.